Grants Available for Your Franchise Start Up

It is estimated that over £125m a year that is available in grant aid that is simply not claimed. Business grants are not the easiest of financial support to obtain for your business, but they are a source you could explore as your franchise’s location or unique needs could make it eligible. Funding your franchise with your own personal finance resources may be possible, but grant aid can lessen the personal burden you have to take on in order to start up your business.

The financial news is constantly awash with new start-up finance products, but the finance news mask the often complex application system that puts many business off even applying for the grant aid they may well secure.

Grants are supplied by a wide-range of organisations. These include central and local government. The European Union, charitable organisations and development agencies. It’s important to look closely at your business to identify which components of your franchise may be suitable for grant aid.

Grants and Support Directory online is operated by Business Link and enables you to search for over two thousand grants currently available. Two other well-established grant directories are GRANTnet and j4b Grants.

Types of Grant

As with personal finance products, grants tend to be grouped together into sectors that include:

Training

You or anyone your business employs that needs training could attract a grant. Learning Skills Council is a good place to start your search for a suitable grant. The new In Our Hands initiative could also be a source of grant aid.

Innovation and Research and Development

If your franchise business is technology based, you could apply for a grant to carry out R&D. There is a government grant specifically for this purpose. You apply for this grant through your local Regional Development Agency. You can locate yours via their website. If your franchise is based in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland you should contact your local government website about the SMART grant scheme.

In addition the EU Framework Programme could be a source of technology related grant funding. Also the EUREKA network could be a source of partners who may invest in your new franchise business.

Employment

As the government is motivated to develop employment opportunities, your business could benefit from grants that are available if you employ a New Deal job seeker. More information is available at your local Jobcentre Plus.

Regional

If your franchise is in a designated area of the UK, your franchise may be suitable for an economic regeneration grant. Your business must be in an assisted area to qualify. You can get more information about this scheme from the BERR website.

Grants Checklist

Locating and applying for a grant can be time consuming exercise. Use the checklist below to ensure you have the best chance of securing the grant you’re looking for.

1: Stay informedIf you don’t know a grant exists, you can’t apply for it. The number of available grants changes almost daily. Try and get into the habit of checking the main small business grant databases to ensure your business applies for any grant that is suitable as soon as it become available.

2: Research your marketGrants come in all shapes and sizes, but you must match the grant to your small business need as many grants have very strict application rules.

3: Don’t start your project yetIt a fatal mistake to start a project before you have actually secured the grant for your small business. The financial news pages are filled with businesses that committed resources to a project only to have their grant fall through.

4: Correct paperworkThe grant procedure is very complex with a corresponding amount of paperwork and forms to complete. It is vital that you complete these forms correctly. Take advice where you are not sure as using incorrect information could mean your application is rejected.

5: Apply now!The grant application procedure can take an incredibly long time complete. Don’t delay with submitting your forms and any supporting documentation. The sooner you get your application in the better.

6: Demonstrate your needDon’t forget that your application for any grants is in competition with all the other applications the grant body will receive. It’s your job to show that your small business deserves to be awarded the grant. Think about who the grant body is. Ask yourself what they are looking for in the grant applications they receive.

Hi, I'm interested in purchasing into a well known pest control franchise, I have a little amount in savings (not quite enough for the amount needed for a deposit!) Was wondering what grants/help would be available for myself?

derobr - 13-Aug-17 @ 10:16 AM

Hello I am a 46 year old white female. I have worked in the criminal justice/addictions field for the past 12 years. I am now working as an Executive Assistant for a pest control company and I am interested in buying into one of our franchisees. I do not have the money up front and I am looking for a grant to help me get started. Is this possible and how do I go about doing this? Thanks!

Sherry Berry - 14-Feb-17 @ 9:47 PM

I have a great Franchise opportunity!
I have 3 existing territories with good profits and turnover to purchase.
If interested let me know.
Finance is a hard when starting your own business. The franchise is a good and safe way to go. If it is a proven model. With support you can prosper and banks support franchise companies.

Cazzy - 21-Jan-17 @ 7:35 PM

Wattsy - Your Question:

Hi, can you help me please. I've been out of work for quite a while now. I'm 49. And it gets harder older I get. To find work. I looked at a franchise, I could and would love to do. Can I get a free grant to purchase it. It's just under. 20.000.

Our Response:

Yes, finding a job does seem to become more difficult with age. You can see more via Franchise Direct here which will explain your options.

ABusinessFranchise - 13-Sep-16 @ 12:44 PM

Hi, can you help me please. I've been out of work for quite a while now. I'm 49. And it gets harder older I get. To find work.I looked at a franchise,I could and would love to do. Can I get a free grant to purchase it. It's just under. 20.000.

Wattsy - 12-Sep-16 @ 7:13 PM

Hi,
I would like to know about how I can get a grant.
Regards

nags - 22-Mar-16 @ 1:36 PM

I am a 58yr old man who having suffered a heart attack just over 3 months ago decided to resign from my employment. Having no formal qualifications ( although my previous job was very well paid ) I would be interested in taking up a franchise business opportunity. prior to my last employment I was self employed for a number of years and am most certainly not afraid of hard work. Would you be aware of any government grants or assistance that may be available to me, I live in the South East of England.

determined - 21-Feb-16 @ 6:40 PM

hello sir i m intrested this frainchise project plz advised to me

bablu - 4-Sep-13 @ 7:02 PM

hi,
I have recently started with a franchise. It is 2500 to 4000 per year cost. I am facing some problem in managing expenses in the begining. can you help in such situtation.
regards,
Khan